The Barter Novel Sierra and Xavier

I wake up with a sneeze building up in my throat.

Letting it out, I smudge my nose with the back of my hand to look around.

Where the hell was I?

It was a small room with the only light entering was from a little ventilating window at the top.

The room was crammed with used stuff and I could see spiderwebs hanging on the walls.

Probably a store room or an attic.

Just great.

I press my palms to get up when I see that I am lying on a crud mattress that hasn’t seen the face of a detergent or light in years.

I pat it to only find dust particles sprawling in the air.

I cough.

Covering my mouth to get up.

Gosh.

It even stinks here.

Did some rat sneak in and die somewhere here?

I was still collecting my thoughts when the old rustic door was pushed open and I was welcomed with the face of an old

woman.

Throwing a black and white dress on the mattress.

She groans in disgust.

Covering her mouth.

“Gosh.

You are really filthy.

Just get changed and get down to work.

”

III

15:25

* Adju

Filthy?

Work?

What was she saying?

“May…may I know who you are? I don’t think I know you.

She rolls her eyes at me as if talking to a subordinate.

Placing her hands on her waist, she moves closer to me.

Her tone was blunt.

“Listen you little bitch.

If you think this ‘I am so innocent‘ facade.

is going to work here? You are mistaken.

”

“Everyone here hates you with the deepest of passion, including

our master.

“You disgusting little thing have our Luna’s blood on your hands and look at you standing here with so much pride.

”

“But don’t worry…”

She scoffs to smirk and I blankly stare at her.

“Our master will make sure to break that backbone of yours, along with that pride.

”

“He loved Luna Beatrice more than his life, and he will make sure to hate you, till your last fucking breath.

“You can never be her! So don’t you once think you will even get food here….

let alone respect.

The hatred in her voice made the room seem even smaller, but I have learned the hard way to not care about what others think

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of you.

.

Closing my eyes.

I try to control my heavy breaths.

Relax.

I have to relax.

I can’t let everyone’s words get to me.

I am not a murderer.

I didn’t kill their Luna.

I don’t want to replace anyone.

“You are mistaken.

I-”

“Enough! Get your pathetic ass moving.

I don’t have all day.

Change your clothes and report to the kitchen.

“You work as a maid this day hence.

”

With this being said, she turned around and left.

Leaving me alone in the now silent room.

I stare at the closed door, blankly.

Maid?

I turn around to look at the black pencil skirt and white blouse.

And a strange knot twists in my stomach.

Did he really expect me to work as a worker here?

He married me.

No matter he acknowledged it or not.

I was his wife.

How can he expect me to work as a servant?

His actions last night come flooding in and I clench my fist.

If he thinks he can treat me like shit.

He is mistaken.

I believe one

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has to respect themselves for others to respect them.

And I didn’t lack in it.

Looking down at my soiled, white wedding dress.

I decided to change into the maid outfit for the time being.

I have to talk to him.

Knock*

“Come in”

His gruff voice made me gulp.

Pushing in the huge oak wood door, I step in to be only met with a spacious wooden interior office.

In the centre laid a long mahogany table, and behind him sat he.

My husband.

His face was dipped lower and those eyes were concentrated on the papers he was signing.

I softly close the door behind me and step in on the velvet carpet.

I stood there awkwardly, Shifting my weight from one leg to another.

Pulling on the hem of the skirt which was too short for my liking.

I waited for him to acknowledge my presence.

But he sat there, engulfed in his own world.

I

Ignoring me.

5 minutes pass.

None of us said anything.

My legs started aching because my body was still recovering.

Unsure, I step forward to settle on the chairs opposite him.

I sighed, relaxing into the comfort of the cushions when a low cold voice made my back straight up, stiff as a rod.

“Did I ask you to sit?”

I gulp.

Those grey eyes looked murderous.

Scurrying back on my feet I question.

Unable to veil the bitterness in my tone.

“I wasn’t aware I needed permission to even sit.

His eyes narrow into slits.

The pen in his hands stops writing and I see his jaw harden.

“Come here”

He looked mad.

Clenching my fists, I match his stare.

Not saying anything.

I wasn’t a dog he could order around like that.

He needs to give respect if he wants it in return.

His perfectly shaped brow lifts in surprise, he wasn’t expecting

this.

But he doesn’t say anything.

Next I know he pushes back his seat to step towards me and my heart races in my chest.

What is he going to do?

My body shivered in anticipation and that’s when I felt him circling behind me.

His aura enveloped me, trying to choke me in its dominance.

“It seems you weren’t taught how to respect your husband.

If there is one thing I hate the most.

It’s a woman not knowing her position.

”

“Kneel”

He growls in my ear, resting his huge hands on my shoulder and I step away from him.

Turning around to face him.

“To me, it seems like your mother did a shitty job teaching you how to respect a woman.

Go learn it yourself first!”

I expected him to fume with anger.

To get violent.

To push me back on the wall or something.

But I am surprised when he leans back on his table to smirk.

His hands folded in front of his chest.

“A fierce one.

Interesting.

I just love a challenge.

”

His eyes cloud.

Signifying he mind linked to someone and next know the door opens and in walks his Beta, Ronnie.

“Yes, your highness.

”

Looking up at me he sighs to speak.

His tone sounded bored.

“Ronnie your new Luna seems to be having a bit of a problem understanding her real position here in our pack.

”

“Take her to the public assembly and tie her up.

I want all the pack members to be present for the show.

I will be there in an hour.

”

“Understood, Your Highness.

My blood ran cold.

No.

He couldn’t be serious.

My eyes snap to the half–open door and before Ronnie can grab me, I enter into a sprint.

I was running through the hallways like crazy, crashing with people.

My mind was blank.

When next I know I am

grabbed my rough hands.

I thrashed in the guard’s grip but it

Was

no use.

Dragging my body like a rag doll, they take me outside and my heart constricts in my chest.

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