Adea“Is there a reason for your visit, or are we going to spend the whole day in my bed chambers?” I teased.“No, that won’t be happening,” Odis’ face flushed red at the obvious meaning behind my jest. He cleared his throat and I enjoyed watching him as he tried to get his thoughts in order.“I am first to escort you to brunch,” Odis said.“If there’s a first, I’m assuming there are more items on the schedule?” I asked.“Yes, Luna,” Odis said with a bow.“Do I get to change or must we leave now?” I inquired.“Alpha told me it was of utmost importance that I take you as you are,” Odis said.“So naked then?” I asked.Odis held my gaze. I was thankful that his eyes did not trail over my body. I took a deep breath. That’s fine. If that is what Ethan wants than that is what Ethan is going to get. I won’t let him shake me.“How disappointing,” I huffed. “I think we would have had much more fun had we stayed in my bedchambers the duration of the day.”Odis bowed his head, turned from me and
Adea“What has this thief stolen to warrant such action?” I asked.“Something of mine,” Ethan growled.Fear filled my mind and my body tensed. I swallowed and prayed it wasn’t who I thought it was. The idea that they had a search party looking for him, hunting him scared me. Ethan’s angered confirmed it and my heart hoped they never found him. My mind took account that he was injured and knew it was likely that they would find him soon.Two male servants came through a side door with trays of food in hand. They both came to a stop, one by me, the other by Odis. Ethan’s plate was empty in front of him. He had already eaten. I wanted for him to get up and leave soon, but I knew better than to hope. The food was placed one by one in front of me. A platter of boiled eggs, bread, and a variety of fruits from blackberries, apples, and
AdeaOdis bowed and I followed him, fighting the burning need to run out of the room. My heartbeat thumped so hard in my chest I wouldn’t have been surprised if he could hear it. My blood pounded loudly in my ears and every breath of air was as cold as it was dry. I could barely hear the sound of my feet as it slapped against the floor. Beta Odis’ legs were long and I struggled to keep with his brisk walk. He didn’t utter a word to me as we left the dining-hall. I knew very well what was about to happen back there and I was relived beyond belief that I got away.This was the first time I avoided him.I felt a rush knowing he hadn’t been able to take what he wanted from me. As soon as he started he didn’t stop. In the last few days that I had spent with him I’d gotten to know him. He took what he wanted when he wanted. Adrenaline propped me forward and I wrung my hands together in the hope that moving them would stop them from shaking. The walls, the windows, and lights were a blur as
AdeaThe worst possible reasons for why he could have done what he did, or why he didn’t pull through with his promise to help rushed through my mind as I answer my own questions. Gabriel took one hesitant step after the other toward me and I took one step back as he reached out for me. His eyes locked on my face and the tears that formed and blurred him. He shook his head and stopped just out of arms reach.“Let me explain. It’s not what you’re thinking,” Gabriel whispered.“Isn’t it though? If not that then what could it be? What reason would make me understand your breaking your promise? Since you seem to think you know me so well why don’t you tell me what it is I’m thinking. Maybe I’m the one who was a fool to think I could trust you or anyone else in my father’s pack,” I bit out, the venom dripped from my tongue.“I didn’t betray you. If you would just give me a chance,” Gabriel choked.“If it looks like rogue, smells like a rogue, and sounds like a rogue it’s a rogue!” I cried.
AdeaGabriel stared back at me with kind eyes and a crooked smile. I couldn’t believe that happened to him. I hadn’t seen him once the night of the celebration. It all made sense and I can’t help but wonder who he faced off against. My room served as a box than I had been imprisoned in, but he was actually locked in a physical box.“You’re a better friend that I’ve been. I don’t deserve you. I’m sorry for what happened to you. I’m glad you were found. Are you okay?” I asked.“I’m f—”“I’m grateful they found you too,” Odis murmured.Somehow the two of us forgot about the Betas presence. We turned and looked at him, but he stared at Gabriel and only him. It made me want to smile. I knew that look, that was love. Beta Odis was madly in love with Gabriel and I wanted to squeal for him. I look back and forth between the lovebirds.“Time is almost up and you are supposed to be fitting her,” Odis said.“I took her measurements a month ago, but I’ll be measuring her again and making adjustme
AdeaThe reality of my situation and where I am floods back in. That was the sad thing about being happy. It doesn’t last forever and when it’s gone, everything else comes crashing down on you threatening to squash you beneath the pressure. Gabriel’s bright smile falters at the look on my face and his eyes saddened. I took a deep breath to steady myself and forced a smile back on my face. He stepped out of Odis’ hold and toward me.“Is there anything I can do?” Gabriel asked.Unsure of how to answer I glanced behind Gabriel at Odis. He lifted his chin and stared at me. Odis may feel strongly for Gabriel, but that doesn’t carry over to me. What he feels for me, if anything, would be duty. The string that tied Odis to me was fragile and hadn’t been strengthened. I was his Luna, but I was still an outsider. He was the Beta of Crimson Moon, his alpha’s second in command, and loyal to Ethan.It wouldn’t be wise for me to carry on a conversation about escaping in his presence. Escaping may
Adea Gabriel took my measurements and he asked me what my favorite colors were. He was insistent on making a few dresses in the color and styles that I wanted. He straightened and walked over to his parchment that held my measurements. I assured him that there were already plenty of dresses to choose from. I wouldn’t need anything more other than the dress he needed to make for the meeting. When he turned around his eyes were filled with worry. “What is it?” I asked. “Making changes to your dresses won’t be a big deal, but the amount that I will be taking off is alarming. How could you have lost so much in so little time?” Gabriel asked. “I didn’t notice that much of a change. As you can see, I’m usually in my nightwear,” I murmured. Gabriel held my gaze and I was thankful he didn’t look over my clothes. “Not today,” he said haughtily. He ran over to the crate filled with dresses and began pulling out a few. Maroon, pink, black, he pulled about every color out of the crate. I wat
Adea“The Alpha wants to confirm if you are,” Odis said.And just like that I was thrown back into the black pit of despair that was my life. My shoulders slumped, my eyes dropped, and I swayed where I stood. When I didn’t say anything else, Odis turned from me and reached for the handles. Both doors were pulled open and Odis stepped aside for me. When I found my balance, I lifted my chin, and walked through first.Was my life a joke for those in power?Did they enjoy playing with me and mapping out my life for me?Would I ever be free from the strings that tied me to him?This shouldn’t have been as big a surprise as it was. I knew the chances of my belling growing round with his child were high, but I refused to dwell on it. If anything, I pushed it from my mind daily.Over the last month, I hadn’t thought about anything. My strings were pulled and I walked. I kept my strength for when I faced Ethan, but after what happened the other night I wasn’t sure how I felt about myself. I di