Page 10 of Marked By the Alphas

The air rushed from my lungs in a strangled gasp as a jolt ripped me away from the suffocating darkness. Gasping, I bolted awake, sheets tangled around my legs. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. It was almost like a drumbeat echoing the terror that clung to me like a shroud. Sweat slicked my skin, chilling me despite the oppressive heat that seemed to radiate from within me.

I fought to catch my breath, my chest tight with a pressure that I couldn’t escape. Images, stark and horrifying, flickered behind my eyelids. The remembered stench of decay and fear hung heavy in the air.

But it was only a dream, and relief flooded through me at the realization, easing the terror coiling through me. I looked around at the beautifully draped curtains and the soft rug. The familiarity of my surroundings instantly made me relax into the soft and comfortable bed with a sigh.

I was safe, here in Kai’s home. For now, at least.

I sat up slowly, careful of my side and I ran a hand through my damp hair. The warmth in the room felt wonderful compared to the coldness that had terrified me from my dream. It had truly felt like I was back within his grasp and the fear that I had felt was still palpable.

Would he really find me here? Would Kai and his pack protect me from Silas’ wrath if the day came when he unleashed it on them? Or would they give me up for the sake of their own peace?

I scoffed at my thoughts, sniffing when the realization that they might pick the latter option occurred to me. Why would they protect me? Silas was the most feared man I knew, and I saw the way his guests treated him with such reverence. He was powerful and it would be stupid to underestimate what he could do. Why would Kai and his pack risk so much just to protect me?

I needed to leave this place as soon as possible. Anyah had said that I needed rest and my wounds needed time to heal. My plan was to stay here until I had healed enough, then I would be on my way. I needed to get as far away from Silas as I possibly could, without bringing war down on Kai’s pack. I owed them that much.

Plus, there was this talk about a prophecy.

The memories from yesterday came flooding through my mind. They caused a shiver to run up my spine. No one had given me answers to the millions of questions I had wanted to ask. Not Anyah, or Kai, or the maids that had been sent to tend to me after the healer left.

All that had surrounded me were whispers and sideways glances, especially toward the mark on my neck. I had carefully chosen items from the new clothes that I had been given that would effectively cover the mark on my neck. It had done nothing to help. I couldn’t avoid the curiosity and suspicion that brimmed in everyone’s eyes and it made me wary. It was an unsettling experience, and it was enough to convince me that I didn’t belong here.

I had escaped from one hell. I wasn’t about to hang around in another one. I hadn’t almost lost my life to attain freedom for nothing and this prophecy, whatever it was, didn’t look very promising for my goal of escape.

Sighing heavily, I pushed myself out of bed, wincing at the sharp protest from my various wounds. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed onto the edge of the bed, balancing myself on my good ankle before limping my way toward the bathroom that was connected to the room. I stopped by the mirror, and the sight of my reflection shocked me. There were bags under my eyes and bruises marred my pale skin.

I was almost unrecognizable. I thought of the girl who had been so carefully groomed to maintain her beauty so that she could do Silas’ bidding. I let out a breath once more before twisting open the tap and splashing some water on my face. The coolness of the water against my skin was a relief, and I felt much better afterward.

I knew that there was no way that I would be able to go back to bed now, so once I was out of the bathroom, I made my way toward the door, hoping to be able to get outside for some fresh air.

As I walked through the house, admiring the cozy and inviting I, I couldn’t help but notice the warmth and comfort here that contrasted sharply with Silas’ oppressive mansion. There was just something about the colors and themes here that made me feel better. The house was quiet, and the only sound that filled the space was the rhythmic ticking of a clock.

As I stepped out of the house, a wave of crisp, early morning air washed over me. The scent of rain mingled with theearthy aroma of damp soil. It was a welcome change from the suffocating air that had formed around me in the room. The pack’s house was magnificent, just like I had expected. I looked around at the spring flower beds, the water fountains and elaborate statues, and the serene environment, all of which confirmed that Kai’s pack was prosperous.

As I descended the steps, my gaze fell on a small garden nestled beside the house. I immediately began drifting toward it. As I got closer, a vibrant herb garden came into view. Rows of lavender, rosemary, and mint unfurled before me, and their fragrance calmed my racing heart.

I wandered through the garden, my fingers brushing against the soft leaves of the herbs before I settled in the middle of it, enjoying the scents that surrounded me. I felt a sense of peace settle over me.

“Beautiful garden, isn’t it?”

I spun around, startled. A tall figure stood behind me. He was very handsome and had dark hair that fell in loose waves around his face. I noted his sun-kissed skin and his eyes, which were the color of melted chocolate. He had a small smile playing over his lips. I instantly felt at ease with him.

“It is. Sorry, I didn’t hear you approach,” I said, my voice guarded.

“I apologize,” he said, his smile widening. “I’m Rhys. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He edged closer as he spoke, and despite the pleasantness of his demeanor, I found myself instinctively wary. There was something about him, a flicker of familiarity in his eyes, thatsent shivers down my spine. It was an unsettling recognition and a feeling I couldn’t quite place, yet it stirred a yearning within me. There was something about it that felt similar to what I felt around Kai, and I fought to push it down.

“I’m Elara,” I managed, my voice hoarse, but Rhys didn’t seem to mind. He stretched out a hand to shake mine and I accepted it. The moment our fingers brushed against each other, I felt a burning sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced in my life. It caused me to retract my hand quickly.

Rhys’ smile faltered, a flicker of something I couldn’t decipher crossing his features.

“Are you a friend of Kai’s?” I asked, and he chuckled, the warmth returning to his eyes once more.

“Something like that. I’m the head strategist within this pack, so we work closely together.”

I nodded in understanding.

“Is he your friend?” Rhys asked, his voice teasing as he spoke, and I raised my eyes to meet his. I smiled when I saw mischievousness dancing within his hazel orbs. I laughed when he wiggled his brows playfully at me.

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