(SERENA)
I march through the lengthy corridors, escorted by my entire entourage.
Pausing for a moment in front of one of the enormous mirrors adorning the walls, I take a moment to admire myself while also making sure I project a strong presence inside these confines; after all, I am the future Luna.
A tall woman stares back at me in the reflection, her long hair pulled up into a flawless and exquisite bun on top of her head, her face proudly displayed.
Arrogantly admiring herself, the reflection glances down her exquisite nose. Her pale skin looks stunning with dark red lipstick.
I can't help but smile when I see myself in the mirror; I am the epitome of a Luna.
My gaze wanders over my form; I'm dressed in a pricey spider silk gown that fits my curves and accentuates my best features. The top is jet black and has a low cut, displaying the top of my undoubtedly magnificent chest, which is the focal point of the garment.
I reach out to touch the jewelry that hangs around my neck. I can't help but smile as a huge red ruby dangles just above my cleavage. With such a large stone, I'm confident that I'll be able to steer attention to exactly where I want it.
I enjoy being the focus of attention. No man can help but gaze in my direction; if they don't, they're either blind, stupid, or both. It always amuses me to watch them drool on themselves over me.
The dress falls to my generous hips, flares out, and turns crimson red. The gown has a slit on the right side that nearly reaches my hip, displaying a long stretch of my strong and gorgeous legs.
Numerous little gems are sewn throughout the dress, and they sparkle in the light and glimmer when I move. On my feet, I'm wearing a pair of red heels that add a couple of inches to my height, which is ideal for my future Alpha's huge frame.
I'm definitely built perfectly for one of those handsome hunks, not the stupid breeder girl.
I do hope she leaves soon, as her presence is just becoming an annoyance now. I mean, do we really need a breeder? If I can just seduce one of the Alphas and get pregnant before she does, would there be a need for some stupid competition and her unwanted presence?
I'm not even sure that I'm willing to raise any offspring she bears… It might actually have that Pinocchio nose of hers. Who wants that?
What I'm wearing might be a bit of an overkill just to go for an afternoon walk in the garden with hopes that I might just 'run' into one of the Alphas. Whichever one of them I run into will definitely not be able to resist me looking like this.
I can't help but hum in satisfaction as I admire pure perfection. I turn to my lady-in-waiting; I need some validation. "Do I not look beautiful, Tara?"
Tara, who stands off to my right, nods dutifully and in a complimentary voice says, "Yes, mistress. As always, you can capture the attention of an entire room."
"Yes, I surely can," I purr in agreement. I am definitely a catch. Now, I just need to find a way to run into one of the Alphas. It's time they got to see the true definition of a woman and not keep drooling over some dirty breeder who doesn't even know how to color-match her outfits.
I mean, who wears a sundress like the one she has on today? It's got so many colors one would swear a unicorn got drunk and puked all the colors of the rainbow onto her.
Turning from the mirror, I make my way to the dining room, where I hope the Alphas are gathered.
I pass a few servants along the way who stare at me. I bet they can't believe I am real. I'm definitely out of this world in terms of looks and style.
One of the maids, who is dusting a statue in the foyer, frowns as I pass her. Jealous much? I know every woman wants to be me, but there can only be one queen, Luna Serena.
The dining room is empty except for some servants who are polishing the silverware. They too stop and stare. Maybe if they took a picture, it would last longer. Have they really never seen a beautiful woman before? Well, I guess I can't exactly blame them; I am, after all, one of a kind.
I proceed to walk toward the door that leads into the manicured gardens on the left wing of the castle. Before I can reach the door, a tall shadow is cast as a broad-shouldered man makes his way inside. Bingo!
"Oh, Alpha Theo. Fancy running into you here. My retinue was just accompanying me to take a walk in the garden. Would you like to join me?"
I can see his eyes widen as he takes in my full form. Wonderful! This is exactly what I wanted. I raise my hands to cup and adjust my breasts, just another trick I have mastered to bring his attention to them.
When I look at him, I realize his eyes are focusing on my shoes. Oh, was the big boy shy? He can't look at my breasts or my face. I find that charming.
He coughs a little before clearing his throat. "Are you planning to take a walk in the gardens in those shoes?"
What? Was that all he had to say? Could he not see the rest of me? "Ahh, I'm quite used to dressing with such finesse, even if it is just for a short walk. That is how proper ladies conduct themselves. We never need a special occasion to look good," I say as I wave my arms, causing my bangles to jingle noisily.
"I see." His tone is cool and indifferent as he brings his eyes up to regard my face. His brows come together as he looks at me.
I can't help but wonder what he is thinking. Can't he see me? I mean, like, really see me?
I stand up a bit straighter, making sure to bring my leg forward a bit to show off my exposed flesh through the slit. I arch my back slightly just to make my breasts more prominent. He will definitely see me now.
"So, will you be a gentleman and accompany me on my walk?" I ask in a high-pitched voice. I have to sound a bit more feminine. Men love that.
He puts his hands into his pockets and again clears his throat. Was he catching a cold or something? I smile, however, at the move to put his hands in his pockets. I am sure he is trying to hide the bulge that must be forming in his pants. Serena has a way of causing men to go gaga.
"I am… I have a thing… I have to go do some work… I have a lot of urgent paperwork I need to see to. Yes, paperwork. Rain check?"
I can't help but chuckle at his stutter. Well, my beauty tends to render men speechless. I walk toward him now and stand a few inches away from him. I bring my hand up, and using my long fingernail, trail the width of his chest.
"Aww, can't that wait? I would really love to spend some quality time with you." I wink at him suggestively and lick my lips for emphasis.
He steps back, looking a bit restless. Why is he playing hard to get? I'm offering all of this to him on a silver platter. Why doesn't he just take it?
I take another step toward him. I am determined to get him. Maybe he is afraid of the repercussions of taking me without the king's say. I need to reassure him that it's okay.
"The paperwork really can't wait. Every second I delay getting to work is damaging to my pack. I'm sorry. Maybe another time."
This time I swing my arms around his neck and lean my breasts into his chest. His face is a few inches away from mine, and I can feel his breath caressing my cheeks.
"A few minutes is all I ask for, bae," I whisper as I lean closer to his ear.
He doesn't move. His hands remain in his pockets.
"With all due respect, Serena, please get your hands off me. I am not interested in whatever you are offering. Wait for whoever will be king and your husband to do… all this."
I am offended, but don't move back. "Well, that person could be you, cutie pie. I mean, if you were to impregnate me as Luna, my cousin would have no choice but to cancel this whole nonsense. You would be declared the winner by default." I dangle the prospect of winning in front of him. I bet he can't resist now.
Suddenly, his gaze moves up, and he looks past me. I can't see what he is looking at, but I catch a faint whiff of sweat coming from him. He removes his hands from his pockets and encircles my waist. Well, that was easy enough. Just when I think he is embracing me, he lifts me slightly and pushes me to the side.
"Liora, darling', wait!" He calls out and takes off before I can say anything more. I turn around in time to see him chasing after the retreating back of the woman I recognize as the dirty breeder.
Wait, had he just left me for that—that thing? He is running after her and leaving Serena?
This has to be some twisted nightmare I am having. This can't be real.
What is going on here? And did he just call that filth da—darlin'?