Chapter Eight

Ariezel

“Aagh”

Bile left my mouth, yellow saliva spattering on the porcelain sink I held onto with all my strength.

Once the nausea had gone down and the sink was free of any traces of my vomit I slipped down,  practically kneeling on the ground.

I groaned against my arm in the small bathroom I had stormed into. There was nobody here, but I still tried to remain quiet, careful to not let anyone hear, lest they asked me any questions.

The nausea and dizziness had grown even worse over the few days I had stayed in this pack.

Whether due to lack of nutrients or my pregnancy, the food I ate wasn't enough, and almost every night I found it hard to fall asleep with the growling in my belly.  If that wasn't the case then whatever I had left in my belly was expelled at anytime of the day due to morning sickness, leaving me tired and weak

The work I did in the day didn't help. The exhaustion and constant hunger and dizziness took a toll on me, and I found it harder and harder to work every day.

Opening the tap I took several gulps of water, my daily ritual for the past few days. My dizziness was a lot worse than before, but hopefully the water would help me until when I got food in the evening.

With a sigh, I stepped out of the room I hid in, moving through the hall. I needed to find Alys and ask her for rest.

It was when I passed that I noticed the group of people standing farther in the hallway murmuring amongst themselves. I would have walked away if not for the fear in their expression. Feeling an echo of the Luna I used to be, I walked towards them, looking at one who I remembered cleaning with.

“What's wrong?” I asked her, my brows raised.

If she was  surprised that I had addressed them for the first time ever, they didn't show it, their fear evidently more than their surprise.

“Alpha…Blackwell.” she murmured whilst shaking.

I straightened at the mention of the man I knew as Asher. Moving closer she spoke to me.

“We were given a message to send to Alpha Blackwell, but we can't call him. Only Ambrose is allowed to serve him, but right now Sir Ambrose is on an errand, and no-one can contact him. If it's any of us…”

The shiver and fear in her eyes as the contemplation filled me with trepidation at the unknown image.

Fortunately the suspense was lost as another person came towards us.

“The last time another person tried to enter his room,  he threw them out and beat them harshly.” she said.

Their words were even more frightening to hear. The level of cruelty reminded me harshly of Derek, miles away.

Looking at the fear on their faces, I knew that I couldn't let them face it alone. None of them were willing to go, all  afraid. If they were harmed for any reason, it would affect their family.

There was only one solution that came to mind.

“I'll do it.” I said

With my words all murmurs turned silent. They all turned and looked at me as though I had grown another head, yet I stood my ground.

Better me than anyone else.

They all looked towards each other in concern, before turning towards me again.

Moments later, I stood in front of Asher's door. All the other pack members had dispersed, leaving with small thank yous and murmurs of gratitude. Now I stood in front of the hallway.

Holding my breath and gripping the letter I was supposed to hand over, I entered in silence.

He was naked, or half naked to be exact. He stood with his back facing mine.

I wasn't unfamiliar with naked frames, but I couldn't help but to be drawn to the contours of his back. His muscles flexed as he stared at the window.

“I suppose you came to remind me of the meeting.” he said calmly.

I remained silent as I started in my spot, remembering my goal. He hadn't looked at me and he had remained relaxed.

‘He doesn't know,’ I realized, a rush of relief filling me.

I didn't get the chance to say a word as he stretched both of his arms to the side.

“Ambrose, help me with my shirt.” he said.

I looked at him and looked at the black outfit on the chair, which I was sure was said shirt.

For a moment, hesitation filled me at the thought of being near in proximity to him but I steeled myself.

Walking lightly, I took the coat from the couch and slowly put  it on.

I never expected that the moment I touched his skin would be like electricity coursing through me. My hairs stood on end at the light brush of my fingers against his skin.

‘Focus.’ I reminded myself. It was just the feeling of my wolf drawing towards him because of the mate bond. Nothing more.

I quickly moved to put it on, careful to not bouch him again.

“Thank you.” his deep voice rumbled like a purr in close proximity.

I stiffened. There was no point in calling him when he knew the message, and I didn't need him to know my presence. If I silently left, he would be none-the-wiser.

Taking a step back, I made a turn and escape as soon as possible.

Before I could even get the chance to slip out, a strong painful grip held me in place. The urge to wince out loud was smothered by the fear, as I turned back to see Asher's eyes staring right back at me blazing with rage.