The wicked alpha’s mute bride: Train me Master, choose me

When Olivia awoke the next morning, she found Devon staring at her, his expression dark with rage.

"Now that you're no longer a distraction to the wolves, you'll stay in the pack as my maid. You'll also train with the warriors. Since you can't shift, you might as well learn to fight," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Though it hurt Olivia to be reduced to a maid for her own mate, it was still better than rotting in a stinking dungeon. She had spent all her life as a prisoner in her own home—she refused to experience that again. So, she met his gaze and gave a small nod of reluctant acceptance. Not that Devon cared. He was going to make her do it regardless.

"Get up and follow me," he ordered, turning swiftly. Olivia had no choice but to comply.

They stepped into a waiting black car that carried them through the dense forest to the pack house—an imposing structure hidden deep within the woods. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with life. Wooden beams overhead bore symbols of honor and trophies from past hunts, while the air was thick with the comforting scent of pine and woodsmoke.

The main hall served as the heart of the pack, a space for meetings and celebrations. Private chambers offered sanctuary to beta wolves, and adjacent to the hall, a bustling kitchen thrived with activity. Beyond the living quarters, the training grounds stretched into the forest, marked by targets, obstacle courses, and sparring circles. Hidden passages and silver-lined traps were woven seamlessly into the structure, ensuring the pack's security.

Ascending the stairs to the second floor, Olivia followed Devon into his chamber—the largest room in the tribe, a reflection of his status and power within the pack.

"This is where you'll work every day. No one else will serve me except you," he declared. "Now, go to the kitchen and prepare something for me. Make it good."

"Go now!" he commanded harshly.

His sharp tone left no space for hesitation. Olivia turned and made her way to the kitchen.

As she entered, the energy shifted immediately. Pack members and cooks scattered like leaves in the wind, avoiding eye contact as if she carried a curse. Olivia barely blinked at their reaction. She was used to it. Avoidance had been her reality all her life—by her parents, by her own mate.

Still, she plunged into her duties with practiced efficiency. Years of tending to her family had honed her skills, and she swiftly prepared the scheduled meal, following the kitchen's timetable.

With everything meticulously arranged on a tray, Olivia navigated to the massive dining room where Alpha Devon sat engrossed in paperwork. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival, drawing his attention away from the documents.

He looked up, his gaze piercing as he gestured for her to place the tray on the table. Olivia complied silently, setting it down with careful precision before stepping back, waiting for his verdict.

Devon rose from his seat, his tall frame imposing as he approached. With a deliberate motion, he uncovered the dishes before turning his intense scrutiny on Olivia. "Taste it," he ordered abruptly.

Surprised, Olivia hesitated before shaking her head vigorously. 

"What? Are you scared? Were you trying to poison me?" 

Panicking slightly, Olivia shook her head again.

"Taste it then," Devon said, folding his arms across his chest expectantly.

Rushing back to the kitchen, Olivia retrieved a fork and returned. He nudged the plate closer, his gaze unwavering as she took a bite of roast chicken. The seconds stretched into eternity as she chewed under his piercing stare.

"Take another bite," he instructed sharply. Olivia complied, her nerves jangling with every heartbeat. When she finished, he made her wait for what felt like forever before finally speaking.

"You can go to the training ground now."

Relieved, Olivia bowed respectfully and exited the room.

"Everyone hates me," she thought as she walked, tears welling in her eyes. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to her.

"Olivia!"

She froze, instantly recognizing the voice. Turning slowly, she faced her father's hurried approach, her heart racing wildly.

Was he here to take her home?

For the first time, the idea of home seemed better than this place. Being so close to her mate but hated by him was killing her slowly.

"FATHER!" Olivia gestured as he grabbed her arm and pulled her behind a tree in the training ground.

"I heard the news that you've been mated to the Alpha. I know you've always wanted to make me proud, so I need your help with something urgent," her father said.

Olivia knew all too well that her father harbored more hatred toward her than anyone else in the world. He had even tried to kill her twice before, driving her own mother and brother to despise her as well. Any lingering hope of his love had long since faded.

However, he was still her father, so she nodded quietly, hoping it would make him take her home and love her if she did as she was told, indicating she was willing to listen. But her cautious demeanor revealed her reluctance. Her father glanced around nervously, then leaned in close.

"I need you to poison Alpha Devon and take his wolf," he whispered. "Do it before the full moon."

Confusion clouded her thoughts, mingling with a rising tide of anger. She stared at him, incredulous.

"How can you ask me to do such a dangerous thing, Father?" she gestured.

His eyes narrowed, irritation flashing across his face. "Listen to me, Olivia. Devon doesn't love you and never will. He's using you because he doesn't want to be without a mate. This is your chance to prove yourself to me and the pack. He is not worthy of being Alpha. The true Alpha is coming."

Olivia couldn't believe what she was hearing. After years of being belittled and called useless, her father now suggested she could redeem herself by poisoning Devon. The idea was unbearable.

His sinister smile sent shivers down her spine when he noticed she was starting to think about it. "This task is simple, Olivia," he coaxed. "You must continue gaining Devon's trust. When the opportunity arises, slip this into his meal." He slid a vial into her hand. "It will weaken him."

She hesitated, but he pushed another vial toward her. "This one will permanently suppress Devon's wolf."

Her fingers closed around the glass as her mind spun.

Was this truly the only way?