Remi POV
It wasn't until the evening that the two maids returned and started getting me ready.
I had put the dress on and was standing in front of a mirror brought by the maid, that was when I actually got a better look at what the black dress looked like. If you could even call it that.
The neckline was so deep it exposed my entire collarbone down to the curve of my breasts, barely stopping before the nipples. The back was completely exposed and stopped just below my waist.
There were no sleeves. Worse, there was no underwear. It was also so loose I had to clutch the sides to keep it from slipping off, and no matter how I adjusted it, nothing could hide the fact that I was exposed again.
Staring at my own reflection, I almost gagged. I looked like a complete stranger.
One of the maids came up behind me, fixing the collar, then tied a loose knot at the waist like a ribbon. "You'll be serving tea at dinner for the Alpha and the other council members," she said.
"Who the hell drinks tea during dinner?" I muttered. "And why this outfit if I'm just serving tea?"
The maid paused, then looked at me through the mirror with an unreadable expression. "It's not just tea."
Something about the way she said it made my stomach twist, but I didn't fully understand. Not yet.
They also didn't explain any further. They just led me out of the room, and I followed.
It was late now. The halls were dimly lit with golden light, and as much as I hated to admit it… it was beautiful, like something out of a fantasy novel.
But as I walked, I felt more eyes on me from staff members and guards. Maybe it was because their beloved Alpha wasn't around, but they weren't quiet this time. They were muttering among themselves, staring at me like a rare specimen.
Feeling shameful, I quickly lowered my head, letting my brown hair fall into my face.
Eventually, the maids paused in front of a large black door. Two guards stood on either side, and without a word, they pulled it open.
The moment I stepped in, my knees instantly weakened.
My eyes widened and I almost threw up. That was when I understood exactly what she meant by "it's not just tea."
I instinctively took a step back, but the maid pushed me forward, giving me no choice but to enter, and the heavy door shut behind me.
I almost gasped at the sight in front of me.
The room was massive, with golden chandeliers. There was a long table at the center lined with men in fine attires, and at the head of the table was Alpha Damon.
But that wasn't what made my heart stop.
It was the girls.
There were at least a dozen of them, dressed in the same kind of dress I wore — or less. Some were sitting on the men's laps like lovers. Others lay on the table, giggling while the men touched them without restraint.
I watched in horror as one of the men sucked a girl's boobs right in front of everyone like it was nothing. To make matters worse, she was laughing, giving the impression she was enjoying it.
It wasn't just tea.
It was never just tea.
All heads turned when I walked in, but it was Alpha Damon's reaction that made me wish I could disappear.
"There she is," he said, and his smile widened. "Our newest treasure."
Every muscle in my body stiffened. The entire room reeked of arousal and alcohol.
"She's even prettier up close, Alpha. Where did you find this one?" one of the council men with silver hair asked, leaning forward.
Damon's smirk deepened. "She found me." His fingers drummed against the armrest of his chair. "Come here, little rabbit," he said, but I didn't move.
How could I?
"She's scared stiff, Alpha," one of the girls beside him said. "Maybe she's not as fun as you thought."
Then she glared at me like I was a threat, like I had come here to steal something that belonged to her. If I wasn't too terrified, I might have scoffed.
"I don't recall asking for your opinion, Ember," he said coldly. His smile disappeared, and the girl flinched before quickly retreating into the arms of another man.
"Nikolai," Damon barked. "Bring her to me."
From the shadows, a tall figure stepped forward. I recognized him instantly as the same guard who was in charge of me.
"You heard him," Nikolai muttered as he approached me. "Walk or I'll carry you. Your choice."
My throat dried up. I had the urge to run, but remembering what happened last time, I slowly took a step forward, clutching my dress tightly. Then another. Each one felt like walking through fire.
"Look at her tremble."
"I love when they're scared."
"Humans do smell different."
"Alpha always picks the best ones."
"She smells nice. Like strawberries and sex."
"I want one too."
"Bet she's a screamer."
Their voices swam around me, but I kept walking.
When I got close enough, that was when I noticed Zayne seated beside Damon.
Unlike the others, he didn't have a girl on his lap. He was calm, and his dark eyes were on me, wearing an unreadable expression.
He was dressed in all black, with his hair slicked back and a silver ring on his finger.
Doesn't silver hurt a werewolf?
I didn't get to think too hard on that because Damon yanked me forward.
I gasped and fell right onto his lap. He wrapped his arm around my waist and his smile returned.
"There," he whispered close to my ear. "Much better."
My entire body froze but he didn't care as his grip tightened.
"Pour me some tea," he said.
A tray was shoved into my hands by someone from behind. I was trembling so bad the porcelain cup clicked softly on the plate.
I leaned forward and was about to pour when his hand slid under my dress, trailing up my thigh. My entire body stiffened when his fingers reached my core, circling it slowly.
The tea spilled, and the hot liquid splashed over his thigh, but it was my hand that trembled the most.
"Tsk tsk tsk." His voice sent a chill straight to my spine. "What a shame."
The room erupted into laughter.
"You know the rules," he said slowly. "Break a cup or spill a drop… and you have to be punished."
I jerked away from him. "No one told me that!" I said, clutching the tray like it would shield me. My heart was pounding so loud I could barely hear my own voice.
The room went quiet for a second.
Then Damon leaned back in his chair and shook his head. "Excuses… we don't do that over here."
With that, he reached down with one hand and casually undid his belt.
"W-what are you doing?" I took a step back, but his eyes remained locked on mine.
"I said you have to be punished." He pulled open his pants, just enough for his thick length to spring free, already hard and leaking at the tip. "On your knees… let's see how steady those little hands of…."
"Are you crazy!" I yelled and the crowd gasped.