Chapter 6

Tragedy's POV

Left alone in the room, I take a moment to collect myself.

The encounter with the imposing Alpha had left me shaken, but there was a glimmer of hope in his words - a chance for redemption within his pack.

As I wiped away the tears that stained my cheeks, I surveyed the room, taking in its opulent surroundings.

It was a vast contrast to the humble space I had known in my former pack. Back home, I was restricted to an old broom cupboard - dusty and damp with a small single mattress on the floor.

The large double bed, luxurious furnishings and personal bathroom in this room spoke of a life I had only dreamed of, but I couldn't allow myself to be swayed by comfort just yet... as I knew deep down that this may not last long.

A knock sounded on the door, causing me to tense and stare at it...

"Clothes for you miss... sent by the Alpha..." A small woman enters the room, elderly, as she smiles at me brightly.

I force myself to smile back, looking like a deer caught in headlights, as she places the soft silks and fluffy towels in my arms - before giving me a soft pat on the shoulder.

"I can only imagine what you've gone through dear... but just know this, our Alpha may be fierce and terrifying, but he is a very reasonable man... shower and use any of the products you need - he wants you to help yourself." The kind lady explains, as I nod and offer her one last smile before she heads back to the door.

Nobody has ever been as kind as she just was to me...

With that thought, my eyes well up slightly again as I trudge my way towards the bathroom.

I move inside, eager to clean up and change into the fresh clothes provided for me. The warm water soothed my weary body, washing away the dirt and grime accumulated during my time at my old pack.

I groan when the water hits against the cuts on my feet, but I am thankful to have cleaned the wounds nonetheless... I wasn't used to showering with warm water back home so this again was like a dream for me...

I lather my hair with the berry scented shampoo and conditioners, enjoying cleaning it for the first time with such high end products. I completed two full washes, wanting my hair to be as clean as possible and to make things easier when it comes to brushing through the knots...

As I emerge from the shower, I take advantage of the new toothbrush and mint toothpaste - scrubbing at my teeth relentlessly until I was satisfied that they were clean.

Eventually, I emerge from the bathroom, dressed in the clean baby blue silk pyjamas, glancing at my reflection in the mirror.

The reflection that stared back at me already seemed like a different person from the broken and rejected girl I had always been.

There was a small glimmer of hope in my eyes, as my finger tips brush against the soft clothing fabric I had never before had the chance to touch...

I search the bathroom again, thankful to find a hairbrush, as I enjoy working it through my long softened waves - seeing my blonde locks shine through for the first time in months.

Just as I was finishing up, admiring my almost dry hair and clean skin in the mirror, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

Startled, I hurried to open it, finding one of the Alpha's trusted henchmen standing outside - looking as annoyed as he had looked before.

"The Alpha requests your presence in his study," the henchman states bluntly, his voice devoid of emotion as I nod.

Nervously, I follow behind him down the corridors, my steps echoing in the silence. The weight of anticipation hung in the air as we approached the Alpha's study, a room that exuded power and authority...

The henchman pushed open the door, revealing the Alpha seated behind a massive wooden desk. The room was decorated in emerald green and gold, adorned with oak shelves filled with ancient books and intricate artifacts, a testament to the Alpha's vast knowledge and influence.

I stepped into the room, my gaze fixated on the Alpha, who regarded me with an inscrutable expression.

His dark hair complimented his tan skin, and his strong features held an air of dominance. The tattoos adorned his muscular arms, adding to his wealth, status and power. But it was his piercing green eyes that always seemed to hold me captive.

I had never seen eyes like his in my life...

"Tragedy," the Alpha spoke, his voice commanding yet tinged with curiosity. "You have accepted the rejection of your mate, but I sense there is still much you carry with you." With his words, the henchmen closes the door and leaves - giving us privacy again which makes me nervous.

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Y-Yes, Alpha. The pain of his rejection still lingers, but I am determined to move forward. We weren't meant to be."

He studies me for a moment, his gaze unyielding. "Good," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of approval. "Now, I have a task for you."

My heart quickened at his words. This was my chance to prove myself, to earn my place within the pack.

"You look much better now that we've had you cleaned up." His eyes suddenly rake over my appearance from head to toe, as I squirm under his fiery gaze.

"Come here." He motions next with his fingers, as my feet move on their own accord - seemingly under his trance.

"Sit down." He tells me next, as I slowly lower myself into the chair opposite his large desk, admiring the masses of paperwork he had piled up on it.

He clearly was a busy man...

I study him, as a glint of amusement seems to fill his eyes before he speaks - "Your first task is, I want you to cut my hair and shave my beard." He concludes, as I almost collapse.

"W-What?" I stammer, before he stands from his position and moves across the room.

He walks toward a cabinet and retrieves a pair of scissors and an open razor, then places them on the desk in front of me beside some other equipment.

The weight of the responsibility settles on my shoulders, and I realize that this task is more than just simple grooming.

It is a test of trust and vulnerability...

"Tragedy," he says, his voice low and commanding, "you will do as I command. This is not a choice. If you are to be my personal maid then I must trust you." He shrugs, before sitting back in his chair and gesturing for me to come over.

His personal maid...

His words send a shiver down my spine, and my heart pounds in my chest.

I know that defying him is not an option, but the intensity of his gaze makes it clear that there is more at stake here than a simple haircut...

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands as I pick up the scissors first.

As I step closer to him, the air crackles with tension. The scent of his primal energy and expensive cologne filling the room, overpowering and intoxicatingly divine.

I run my fingers through his dark locks, feeling their thickness and weight. The strands coil around my fingertips like living creatures, as if they are extensions of his power.

With each snip of the scissors, the room fills with the sound of authority being severed, as I practically flinch at each clip.

His eyes bore into me, their green intensity piercing my soul. It is as if he can see through my every thought and desire, exposing the rawness within me.

As I trim away the hair, I can't help but feel a strange connection to him, as if I was meant to meet him at this time in my life...

Each strand that falls to the ground feels like a piece of his identity being shed, revealing a side of him that he keeps hidden from the world.

When I move on to his beard, the room grows even more charged. The razor glides across his skin with a dangerous precision, and the scent of his masculine essence fills the air.

I feel his hands move up my thighs to suddenly hold my hips, causing me to tense under his touch...

"You're shaking." He comments nonchalantly, as I clear my throat and mentally curse at my blushing cheeks.

The vulnerability in his expression is both captivating and terrifying, a stark reminder of the power he holds over me - despite me being the one with an open blade to his throat.

With each stroke of the razor, I am acutely aware of the weight of this moment. It is not just about grooming; it is about whether or not I will attempt to kill him.

I wouldn't dare...

As I finally finish up, I step back to admire my work, my breath catching in my throat as I detach myself from his hold.

"Tragedy," he murmurs, his voice filled with a mix of satisfaction and hunger. "You have shown obedience and skill. I like it." He admits, moving to admire the work in the mirror.

His words send a shiver down my spine, a potent combination of fear and excitement.

This man, this Alpha, was like no other that I had met before.

He was different...