Blood and Ruin (Blood and Ruin Series Book 1)

A deep cold settles into my bones as I stand outside the room, awaiting my fate.

I take a deep breath and draw it out slowly, my hands shaking slightly. My eyes drift towards the tall arched doors, not twenty feet in front of me, for what felt like the tenth time in ten minutes.

My stomach turns as I think about what is about to happen.

It’s just one night.

It wasn’t like I was a virgin, having lost that to some drunk human that was passing through the club Prestige one night.

So, I couldn’t understand where these nerves were coming from.

Overhearing gossip from the maids assured me they weren’t all old dirty men, having recently been challenged and beaten by five new younger versions, closer to my age.

Each powerful in their own right, they had climbed the ranks fast, making a name for themselves among the supe community.

They had a lot of political issues to fix from the older alphas fucking things up, but the supes were happy with their new leaders.

Glancing down at my new gold bracelet and the spell that encased it brought a sliver of reassurance to me.

There were not many people I would call friends in King’s Tower but Jazmyn, the bartender and witch, would be the closest thing I had to one and one of the main reasons I was able to figure a way out of here. Her connections and abilities ensured a nice little side business for us both, the bracelet being the result of one of our most recent transactions.

One advantage of the gold band was that once this was over with, the alphas wouldn’t recognise the real me. Which would assure my plan could still go ahead and I didn’t have to worry about controlling supes.

Taking another deep breath, I turn my thoughts to the plan. Just three more weeks and we’d be out of here.

In a few nights, I would meet up with one of Jazmyn’s contacts in the hotel club, Prestige. He should have one of the main items we need for the spell to work and be one step closer to getting out of here.

I had to hold on, just for a little longer. Alana needed me. I couldn’t be selfish, not after everything she’s gone through for me, being at King’s mercy all these years.

I grip the skirt of my dress, balling it tightly in my fists.

Cringing when I feel how light it is, I look down at the thin piece of material. Not that I could call it a dress, really. The fabric was so light, it was nearly see through. If not for the dim lighting in here casting shadows over me, I would look naked.

I shiver as the flimsy piece of gold fabric and chains that barely cover my top half clang together. Completely exposed in the back, and an open slit in the front revealing cleavage and side boob, I close my eyes and try to think of something else. Nothing but where I am and what I’m about to go through with.

I never had a say in what I wanted.

But I could do this. I had to. Alana didn’t deserve to suffer anymore.

My thoughts turn back to the present and this stupid dress.

It wasn’t bad enough that I had to do this. No, I also had to look like some type of harlot.

Footsteps echo down the long hall, moving closer, shaking me out of my wayward thoughts and back to the present.

I shiver as the monster moves closer, fisting my hands as they start to shake again. The teal jewelled bracelets rattle on my wrists.

Hearing him draw closer, I place on a mask of cold indifference. I needed to if I wanted to survive.

I had found out long ago that showing too much of any type of emotion would get me nowhere but the swift smack of the back of his hand. If not worse.

King despises weakness, but thrives on the pain and suffering of others, especially mine. He feeds on my despair and hopelessness. His insatiable hunger never fully satiated before he craves more.

Steps echo along the dark hall as King comes into view.

“Ah, there she is. My favourite girl,” he taunts.

Looking ahead, I watch him from the corner of my eye, not daring to provoke his anger or any type of emotion.

I couldn’t afford missing another couple of days or longer. Not if I wanted the plan to still go ahead on time.

I swallow down the nausea as he licks his lips, circling me like prey. Gripping my fists tight as he makes his way around me.

“Mm, don’t you clean up nicely?” His words feel like grime as they hit my ears. I grind my jaw hard, stopping myself from telling him how I truly feel. He didn’t want a reply, anyway, just my obedience. I was nothing more than a replaceable commodity to him, always making sure I know where I stand.

He moves closer, standing right beside me. I dig my fingers into my hands as he trails a hand down my bare hip. I focus on the sharp bite from my nails as they draw blood, distracting me from the monster in front of me.

Too close. He was too close.

I hold my breath as stale, hot air slithers across my cheek.

“When they have broken you into the pile of nothing you are, remember that is where you will remain. As an insignificant, worthless girl who is too weak to fight back.”

I keep hold of my breath as he trails a cold finger down my cheek.

My body grows stiff as my vision turns red.

He pauses, waiting for a reaction. One I would not give him.

King chuckles, taking a small step back. But not far enough, as I feel his warm breath on my face.

“It would seem I trained you well.” With the click of his finger, one of his men moves closer. From the corner of my eye, I see a robe thrown across the guard’s arm.

“Can’t let them see the goods until it’s time now, can we?” He moves behind me, draping the robe around my shoulders, sliding his hands down my body. I bite my tongue hard, tasting blood.

Reaching out swiftly, he grips the back of my neck, squeezing tight. I wince as his fingers bite into my skin.

“Don’t try anything stupid.” He sneers, squeezing my neck harder and cutting off my air supply. Holding it until my vision starts to fade, he lets up, pushing me towards the doors.

I catch myself gulping down air and trying to calm my racing heart.

“I have measures in place that ensure this goes smoothly. Now, go be a good little girl and do what you’re told.”

I stagger once more before standing up straight. Of course, he would have measures in place to make sure everything went according to his plan.

I rub my thumb along the thick gold band, hoping it works as well as it is supposed to.

Jazmyn hasn’t let me down yet.

“Someone will be along soon to confirm the agreement has been settled. I expect to hear results.” He chuckles, turning around and heading back in the direction he came, his giant lackeys following close behind him.

It was time.

I swallow the bile rising in my throat. Taking another deep breath, I steel myself for what was about to happen.

My body would not be mine tonight, but this would not define me. I was stronger than this.

I look at the doors as the chain begins to unravel.

This was just a hitch in the plan. If I didn’t go through with it, Alana would suffer.

I steady my heartbeat, controlling my body and mind to become detached from what was about to happen. I let myself grow numb as my gaze drifts blankly ahead.

The doors open wide, and I take an apprehensive step forward.