Page 75 of Her Destined Alpha
I also knew, despite my doubts, that Rayhan cared for me deeply. His coming was proof enough, he was risking his life being here. I should have told him to leave and how I didn’t want him here… but I had been too weak to resist and had given in to whatever I felt inside. It had been selfish of me; if he got hurt it would be my fault, but I also knew he was stubborn, and there was nothing I could do to control him. So, I just needed to make sure he didn’t get hurt. I didn’t mind getting hurt, but when it came to Rayhan, I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.
I got to work quickly in the same kitchen I used to labour in years ago. Although there were some changes, it was still pretty much the same. The horrible memories returned to me and being here was anything but pleasant. The list of dishes to cook was long, and I wondered what the special occasion was for them to be preparing so many. It was surely something important, or they just wanted to burden me, which wouldn’t surprise me.
I sighed as I looked at the final recipe. I wasn’t even sure if the dish was correct. I hadn’t really cooked such fancy dishes in my life.
For most of the day, no one bothered me, and I managed to eat too. Occasionally, Amoria or Elinai would come in to annoy me in passing, but that was it. I was glad Dawson wasn’t around. I hated him the most.
By 4.00pm, I was almost done. I was exhausted, and I hoped I could go and rest soon. My back was still aching, despite feeling a lot better since Rayhan had done his little trick. The memory of his tongue running up my back sent a shiver of pleasure through me. I wouldn’t mind him running his tongue over a lot more than my back. My cheeks burned, and I felt mortified at my own thoughts.
Focus, Del.
“Well, look who we have here?”
My smile fell, and I felt my stomach twist. That voice… I remained silent as his heavy footsteps came towards me. I picked up the knife I had used to slice the vegetables and turned to look at none other than Dawson. He hadn’t changed much, but the wicked gleam in his eyes seemed to be even more noticeable, or was it just that as an adult, I noticed it more?
“My, you have grown,” he leered. I felt disgusted as his eyes trailed over me. Had he always looked at me like that? Yes, he insinuated he was waiting for me to grow a little bit... his passing touches and remarks had repulsed me, but this was disgusting.
“Yeah, I have. I’m no longer that scared child. I’ve been through hell and more, and unless you want to experience that too, fuck off.” My voice was ice cold, and his face faltered. A flash of irritation crossed his eyes, but it was instantly replaced by anger.
“Watch who you are talking to!” he muttered, closing the gap between us. I raised the knife, my anger surging through me.
“I told you… I am not that child!” I hissed. He was about to reply when we heard a commotion in the hallway.
“This isn’t over,” he said, looking me over once before he swiftly left the kitchen.
I took a deep breath, feeling exhausted as if I had run a marathon. My heart was racing, and I realised that despite how brave I was acting, that scared little girl was still somewhere inside me. I picked up a glass, filled it with water and gulped it down when I heard footsteps. I quickly placed the glass down and busied myself clearing the counters.
“I don’t think it is fine!” Amoria’s voice came. “Father, stop!”
“I am your father, Amoria! Show some respect!” Samson growled. What happened, and why were they coming this way?
“But why does she have to be there?” Amoria shrieked just as the kitchen door slammed open, making me turn around.
The look of scorching resentment in her eyes made my heart skip a beat. Although I wasn’t as scared of her as I once used to be, the fear was embedded deep in me. I had to remind myself that she could do nothing.Right?
Samson stood there, a frown on his face as he held a large box in his hands.
“Elder Reginald wants you to be part of the dinner tonight. High Witch Eldridge has sent this for you… along with the healer.” His voice was riddled with confusion, and I felt just as confused.
Yesterday they said these injuries would be my punishment, and today they’re asking me to join them for dinner?Something was off, and it went down to me wondering why they had been so desperate to find me.
“Don’t just stand there. Take it,” Samson spat, trying to contain his anger. I walked over to him and took the box, not bothering to even look at him. I would not bow down to those people any longer. “The healer iswaiting in the drawing-room.”
I nodded and left the kitchen, carrying the large box. It was straining my back, and by the time I reached the sitting room, I was relieved. I placed the box on the table as I looked at the woman before me.
I hadn’t seen her before. She was young for a healer. Healer witches were rare and few. This one was no older than thirty. She smiled gently at me and motioned for me to come over. She looked faintly familiar, but I couldn’t place her from anywhere.
“Come in, Miss Silver.”
“Delsanra is fine,” I replied, shutting the door behind me. She nodded as she motioned for me to take a seat.
“I will need to see your back.” She gave me a small smile. I nodded, slowly removing the shirt I was wearing. She moved forward, assisting me. “We are so happy to have you back in the Coven,” she said warmly, and I resisted a frown.Why?
“Why would you be happy to have me here? Some consider me an omen,” I said lightly. She didn’t reply as she slowly began undoing the bandage.
“Everyone knows how important you are,” she remarked, not answering the question properly. I was missing something; I just didn’t know what. “Your back has healed surprisingly well, considering these injuries were only made yesterday. They look like they are a few days old.”
Thanks to Rayhan.
