Chapter 32
And tonight, I would be sleeping under his roof, bound by a contract that made me essentially his property until he achieved his ambitions.
My stomach twisted into a knot. What had I gotten myself into?
The Bentley slowed as we approached an imposing set of wrought iron gates. I leaned forward, taking in the elaborate silver designs of crescent moons and stars worked into the metalwork. A discreet sign in flowing script read “Silver Moon Estates.”
Raymond lowered his window as we pulled up to a guardhouse where two broad–shouldered men in dark uniforms stood alert. They approached the car, and I instinctively shrank back against the leather seat, my pulse quickening.
“Evening, Raymond,” one of the guards said, leaning down to peer into the car. His eyes, a startling amber color, flickered to me briefly before returning to the driver. “New arrival for Mr. Sterling?”
“This is Ms. Rebecca Brown,” Raymond confirmed. “Mr. Sterling is expecting her.”
The guard nodded and stepped back, speaking into a radio clipped to his shoulder. The massive gates began to swing inward silently, revealing a winding road lined with ornate streetlamps that cast a soft, golden glow across manicured landscapes.
“Twenty–four–hour security,” Raymond explained as we drove through. “All werewolves, all Delta rank
or higher.”
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Is that… normal? For werewolf neighborhoods?”
Raymond shook his head. “This isn’t just any werewolf neighborhood. Silver Moon Estates houses the territory’s elite–pack leaders, council members, and their families. Security is paramount.”
As we drove deeper into the estate, I stared out the windows, my eyes widening. The homes–or rather, mansions–were set far back from the road, visible through gaps in the trees or at the ends of long, private drives. My heart raced as I tried to comprehend the scale of wealth surrounding me.
“How many people live here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“About fifty families in total,” Raymond replied. “Though many own multiple properties elsewhere as
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Chapter 32
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We turned onto a side road marked with a simple “S” on a stone pillar. The drive curved through a stretch of dense trees before opening onto a stunning vista–a modern glass and stone structure
perched on a gentle rise, overlooking what appeared to be a private lake.
“Is that…” I began, my voice failing me as my jaw went slack.
“The Sterling Manor is further ahead,” Raymond said, noting my shock. “This is Mr. Dominic’s personal residence. He prefers to maintain some distance from the main family home.”
My heart hammered against my ribs as we approached the house. I noticed smaller buildings scattered nearby–a garage large enough for at least six vehicles, what appeared to be a pool house, and a separate villa.
“That’s where you’ll be staying,” he said, pointing to the villia as we circled the driveway. “Mr. Sterling had it prepared specifically.”
The car came to a stop, and Raymond quickly exited to open my door. As I stepped out on shaky legs, the cool evening air carried the scent of pine and water from the lake. The main house loomed before us, its many windows glowing with warm light against the gathering dusk.
“This way, Ms. Brown,” Raymond said, retrieving my suitcase from the trunk.
As we walked, Raymond spoke in a lower voice. “A word of advice, Ms. Brown. Don’t wander beyond the property boundaries alone, especially after dark.”
I glanced at him, my stomach dropping. “Why not?”
His expression was grim. “The forests surrounding Silver Moon Estates are pack territory, but they’re not always safe. We’ve had… incidents. A wolf was found dead there.”
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