Page 71 of Her Destined Alpha
There was a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a small table by the bed. That was the only furniture in the room. The single bulb that hung in the centre of the ceiling was bare of any light shade, and the curtains in the window were plain and dark. A second door led off to the bathroom. I knew the room as I had cleaned the entirehouse as a child. A house big enough to house many, yet it had never had any place for me… and no matter what they gave to me or tried to give, I would never accept this place as my home.
I walked to the wardrobe, pulled it open, and looked at the clothes. I could tell they were old clothes of Amoria’s; her style hadn’t changed much. They smelt musty, and I wondered where they had been stored. I supposed I’d need to wash them first. I looked down at the simple black dress that was given to me at the castle, but my bandages had leaked through. Apparently, I wasn’t allowed to be healed by a healer witch as my redemption for my crimes.
I scoffed.Fuck you all.I hated how everyone treated me like a pawn in their games. I wasn’t stupid. The Coven surely had a purpose for me; I just didn’t know what it was yet. I took a deep breath,I won’t break. I have fought all my life… and I’d still keep my head high.
I guessed I’d better air something before I wore it. I took a few items out, shaking them slowly, and winced at the pain that jarred through my back. My stomach sank as I looked at the items. Everything was rather revealing, and several were backless. On top of that, they were all summer clothing. There was nothing for the weather. They had chosen these on purpose, it was no coincidence… which meant the mother-daughter duo would find some sad amusement in seeing my scars. Probably to laugh at how ugly I was. Petty little bitches.
“You are not ugly. Scars do not make you ugly… You’re still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen…”
Rayhan’s words floated into my head, and I smiled slightly. He really was delusional, sweet and perfect, but still fucking crazy to consider me beautiful. There was nothing I could have ever given him. I had nothing; I was nothing. He was an alpha, a strong one at that, and a prince in his own right, someone who deserved every happiness in this world. He had a heart of gold and deserved the best in all aspects of life.
I pushed the thoughts that threatened to cripple me away. I needed to stay strong.
I looked through the dresser and took out a linen shirt and matching trousers to wear. It was going to be a cold night. There was nothing in here that was suitable for the temperature, but beggars can’t be choosers.
I had justfinished patting my back dry after showering. I needed to apply some ointment, but I felt too weak. I gingerly slipped the linen cami on, about to sit down on the bed, when the door opened to reveal Elinai. She stood there looking at me with utter resentment in her eyes. She hadn’t changed much over the years; she had gained a little weight and had a few more grey hairs than before.
“Well, you’re back. Don’t think that just because we have given you a room that you will be treated like a queen. Today is your only day of rest. I want you up at dawn. The High Elder and his family are coming for dinner tomorrow, and there are things that need to be done. You will cook, and you will clean. You need to earn your keep and pay for everything you have done, along with the stress and trauma you have inflicted upon this family!” she spat.
“Okay.”
I knew things wouldn’t change. Samson had power now, and with Amoria and Elinai by his side, both of whom were far stronger than I was, if they wanted to treat me like dirt and keep my mouth sealed, they had the power to do so.
“Remember that!” she hissed. I looked at her sharply but said nothing. I hadn’t forgotten the oath I hadmade to myself when I left this place. I would never forget what this family put me through.
I wasn’t the thirteen-year-old girl who had left this place. I was a woman who had been through enough crap, an entire lifetime’s worth, and survived it. I was not going to sit back and take bullshit from anyone. What was the worst that could happen? I could be killed, but I wasn’t afraid of death. In fact, I’d embrace it with happiness.
“You are useless, worse than trash… I don’t understand why you aren’t dead already,” she hissed, glaring at me. Her eyes burned into mine, but I refused to look away. I was still tired and weak from the beating yesterday, but I wouldn’t show it. Our eyes locked for a good minute. Her powers surged, but I held her gaze until she cursed under her breath and slammed the door shut.
I sighed, tired, gritting my teeth as I dropped onto the bed. It was late afternoon, and I hadn’t eaten anything since before we went to the diner yesterday.I guess I won’t be getting anything tonight either.This place was not home; it never was, and it never will be. Home was…
My heart skipped a beat as I realised what had come to mind.Home is where you were. I understand what you meant that night… I wish I could tell you that.
I never thought I’d ever feel this… but… I miss you.
Taking a Chance
Rayhan
Ireached the room where her scent was strongest and slowly tried the door handle. It was unlocked, so I slipped inside. The room was dark, save for a sliver of moonlight, and my heart thundered when I saw her lying on the bed. Her chest rose and fell with each breath she took.
I felt relief wash over me, but I suddenly felt all my energy drain from me too. I hadn’t slept because I had been so worried, but I hadn’t even noticed how tired I was until I saw her before me. That fear that had been crippling me eased, and I felt lighter. She was safe.Thank Goddess...
I shut the door even though I just wanted to run to her. I was glad to see the key in the lock and quickly locked it, wincing at the scraping sound it made. Delsanra stirred slightly as she turned onto her side. I walked over to her, taking my backpack off and slowly placing it on the ground.
Suddenly, her eyes flew open, and she jolted upright, scanning the room. Had she sensed me? Closing my eyes, I remembered what Raihana had told me. I had to think of what I wanted, and just as I had practised in front of them, I revealed myself to her.
Her eyes widened as she looked at me. Her heart was thundering loudly, her breath hitched, and to my surprise, her eyes filled with tears. The surge of emotions that consumed me pulled painfully at my chest. She looked heartbroken and sad, yet there was a whisper of happiness in her eyes.
“A dream…” she murmured, looking at me with such pain in her eyes that I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Instead, I dropped to my knees next to the bed. I shook my head, gathering my thoughts as I reached over and cupped her face, making her gasp. Sparks coursed through me from our touch. I stared into her eyes, illuminated only by the moon that shone through the gap in the curtain.
“I’m no dream, Kitten,” I whispered, taking in her beautiful face, committing every inch of it to memory.
I never wanted to be away from her ever. Fuck it. Only then, as I knelt here, did I realise how scared I was. The fear that I might have lost her... that she may have been killed. The relief that flooded me did little to hide the emotions that had been drowning me for the last day. “And I’m never letting you go again,” I vowed.
Her chest heaved as she gripped my wrist. My heart skipped a beat when she nodded in agreement. She tugged my hands away from her face, but before I could even feel hurt at the rejection of her action, she wrapped her arms around my neck tightly, throwing her weight onto me and sending me tumbling backwards onto my ass. She didn’t weigh much, but I hadn’t been anticipating it.
My heart soared, and my wolf howled in happiness. My mate, my kitten, was hugging me. I smiled softly, wrapping my arms around her tightly and burying my head in her neck as I drank up her scent as if it was my lifeline. She was... she was everything I needed.
