STRAYED

Chapter 7

Alessia's pov

My heart skipped at Thompson's approaching footsteps, and I stood up at once. He stepped in, dropping the phone from his ear after about an hour of talking with Annalise outside.

I knew what to expect of his mean gaze. I messed up. That was the thought in his head.

‘‘Just what exactly is your problem?’’ He had it stuffed up in him, his annoyance.

“You don't think I also deserve an apology for bringing me here without my consent?’’ I shot back calmly.

“Was your consent necessary?” He scoffed. “I did what was needed to get things done and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.’’

The way he usually spoke. The manner he always used with me. It hurts so bad that I loved this man despite his mistreatment towards me. I have only ever loved him but he completely despised me.

“Where did I ever wrong you, Thompson? I've done everything possible to prove my love for you but why won't you ever regard my efforts?’’ My voice broke, almost croaking out my words.

‘‘Are you trying to play the victim right now?’’ Thompson growled, irritation clearly etched in his tone.

“I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't get a proper grip but it was due to the impromptu meeting.” I apologised. With a heavily bleeding heart. The least I wanted was Thompson being mad at me. Things always went worse in those cases.

Thompson scoffed grudgingly, turning around to leave. I took quick steps to hug him from behind before he left, and he instantly went stiff in my embrace.

“Don't neglect me today. It's been a year since you last touched me. I'm a woman too. I'm your wife.’’ I couldn't hold back my tears.

The Lycan wanted me. I feared that if Thompson kept up with this attitude I might be lured into adultery. Why doesn't he see it? He was so blinded by his need that he utterly failed to figure out the cunning Lycan king's hidden intentions.

“Get off.’’ Thompson's icy tone sent chills down my nerves, but I refused to harken. He peeled off my grip angrily, giving me a cut in the process.

“Don't you get it, or do you just love hurting yourself? You sicken me Alessia, I can barely contain the mere sight of you.’’

‘‘That's not true.’’ I croaked.

How dare he say such mean words to me. We had been really great friends while growing up, he always enjoyed my company.

“You still don't get it.’’ Thompson grumbled, running his fingers through his hair.

“If I had an active wolf and could shift like others, would you have treated me differently?’’ I held back my tears, searching his glinting eyes for an atom of softness to convince myself that deep down he cared. Even just a little bit.

“The fact that you manipulated things to your favour by making your father propose a marriage deal between us is what I hate the most.’’ Thompson spat firmly, his stoic frame ready to destroy me if I dared oppose him.

I shouldn't have let things get this far. I had ended up reopening an old wound.

“I was just a naive girl in love.’’ I mumbled, guilt crashing all over me.

Thompson stormed out, slamming the door after him. I didn't get to see much of him for the rest of the day. I had refused lunch with hopes that he'd come get me but he didn't, and that was how I ended the day with only breakfast in my tummy. I guessed the Lycan king wasn't in the mansion or things would have gone differently.

“Good morning.’’ I halted at Thompson's figure on the bed.

His eyes swept through me, settling on my halfly exposed wet thighs under my towel. I fondled with my nails, neglecting the hot feeling his stare stirred between my legs.

He looked away sharply, clearing his throat while making sure his gaze didn't cross my way again.

“You refused lunch and dinner yesterday, the perfect time you'd have used any way you liked. Now Lycan Cyril is back. You can't afford to make any silly moves out there.’’ He warned.

I nodded, watching him leave. He was all dressed and ready for breakfast already. Melanie helped me get dressed quickly and I was out in no time. It was probably the zeal to not anger Thompson again, I dealt well enough with the Lycan's presence.

We probably both had the same conviction in our hearts because Lycan Cyril equally coordinated properly, unlike the previous day.

I didn't give much attention to their conversation, but I heard Lycan Cyril mention about being busy for the meantime and his appreciation if Thompson could be a bit patient with him. Of course Thompson acted like he was fine with it, but he wasn't. I knew him well enough to discern his fake smiles. And neither was I.

I decided to take a stroll around the mansion. I'd been locked away in my room for too long already while Thompson stays out all the time.

I strode down to the passageway, asked after Melanie from a few maids I came across and finally reached her.

I know enough about the Lycan to have the sixth sense that wandering aimlessly in the mansion could be dangerous. I needed briefing on the suitable areas for touring.

Of the list of names Melanie mentioned, I picked out the music room, the library, the study room, incredible swimming pools she talked about, and the garden for my first tour operation.

How much she talked about the private pools and how well she praised it's serenity made me instantly excited to see it. And it became my first tour destination, not without Melanie's leading.

I marvelled at the sight before me. Not one detail of Melanie's description about the pool was amiss. I wasn't a good swimmer but the excitement was too gripping to ignore.

Melanie showed me to the pool house after briefing me on where to get the equipments I needed.

“Or do you need me to come with you?’’ She asked mindfully, her eyes pleading for my carefulness.

I offered her a smile and proceeded into the pool house. She was a good describer, I found the necessary assets without much efforts. I could have sworn I heard water running in the shower place when I came in. But I hadn't put much thoughts into it until now that I turned to meet a towering figure before me.