Chapter 2

“Please, Alpha King,” I tried to plead to the King, but he stared at me sternly. I was trembling so hard that my aching bones and muscles throbbed with agony.

“You may turn your back to me if that will make you more comfortable,” the King growled quietly. More comfortable? Nothing about this situation made me comfortable, but I quickly nodded and turned my back to him before he could see the burning tears forming in my eyes. My lips trembled as I pressed them firmly to keep myself from sobbing. This position that I was forced to be in was embarrassing. I was better off with the Hunters. Slowly, each movement an effort, I slid my arms through my tattered t-shirt. I gritted my teeth to keep myself from crying out as my right side protested from me moving my arm above my shoulder to slide the shirt over my head. I let the ragged piece of fabric fall to the ground, my arms shaking as I felt the King’s stern gaze on my back. I could only imagine what he was seeing.

Scars and claw marks from my brief interactions with the Hunters over the years marred my once flawless skin. My recent interaction with them left me with a deep claw mark from the top of my right shoulder to the lower left side of my back. Every time I moved felt like I ripped it open again. I gingerly slipped my arms through my bra straps before unhooking it and letting it fall to the ground with my shirt. Instinctively, I covered my front with my arms, feeling vulnerable to the watching eyes behind me. A low, predatory, possessive growl filled the room, and I flinched as the King’s aura flared. His footsteps were near quiet as he approached my backside, his dominance pushing down on me like a weight. My chest tightened from the force of it. “How did this happen?” I involuntarily flinched as his fingers barely hovered over my scars and wounds.

“The Hunters, my lord.” My voice shook as I spoke. “Or from me being clumsy when I was running from them.”

“How long have you been running for?”

“For ten years now, my lord.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, my lord.”

“Why did you lie to me about being injured?”

“Because I didn’t want you to think that I wouldn’t be able to earn my keep with my injuries. I can still work, my lord, I promise.” The King was quiet momentarily as he contemplated my answers before resting a gentle hand on my bare shoulder. Even though his hand was warm and my nerves electrified at his touch, my body tensed, bunching up and preparing to fight for my life again. I felt the air around me shift as the King lowered his aura, his dominance backing off almost as if to reassure me.

“I won’t hurt you, Rieka, but do not lie to me again. You will be safe here.” As quickly as he put his hand on my shoulder, he pulled it off, and I felt the cold air rush around my bare back as he stepped away from me.

“Where would you like her stationed at, King Conri?” Annika spoke up. “The kitchen could use some help as well as the gardeners, but….”

“She will be my personal servant. She can have the room across from mine, so she’s near when I need her. She can start tomorrow morning. For tonight, Rieka, rest. You will need it. You are under the Guardians’ Protection, but that is something that is earned, not given.” I slipped on the bra and shirt Annika had handed me before turning and bowing to the Alpha King.

“Yes, my lord,” I answered, Keeping my eyes focused on the ground, unable to hold his stare. “I understand. I won’t let you down.” His aura rose again, slamming into me like a force field as I felt his stern gaze look me up and down.

“I would hope not.” I held my bow until I heard the closet door open and close as the King left the room. Annika cleared her throat.

“Well, that settles it.” She chirped. “Follow me, child.” After changing into a new pair of pants, I followed Annika out of the closet and back through the kitchen. Weary eyes watched me as I passed them, all curious about the newcomer in the pack. They were of various ages and I wondered if they all came here looking for sanctuary and were now working to pay off their debt. Annika led me through multiple hallways and up a staircase to the top floor. I slowed down to admire the artwork and artifacts lining the walls. I wondered if the King collected these all himself or somebody collected them throughout the bloodline of kings. “Hurry, child.”

I jumped at the sound of her voice as I pulled my attention away from a painting of the night sky with hues of purple and blue with scattered stars. Annika was waiting for me at the bottom of another staircase, and I gave a light run to catch up with her, and we ascended the steps together. “This entire top floor is King Conri’s and is expected to be kept tidy at all times. No one is allowed up here except for him, his inner circle, and obviously you. Meals are at 7 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. He also likes to have a snack before bed—8 pm. Do not be late with them. Guardians burn many calories and are always hungry; you can only imagine how the King of Guardians eats. In the morning, you will wake the King up, and while he’s getting ready, you will fetch him his breakfast and deliver it to him.

“Come back down to eat your food, and afterward, collect his dishes and bring them to the kitchen. Repeat for lunch and dinner. In between meals, you will clean this floor. Linens are to be changed daily, and laundry is to be brought down. That is the Kings room through there.” Annika pointed toward a pair of massive oak doors before pointing to the door directly across from It. She opened a smaller door revealing a room with a twin-size bed, a nightstand, and a lamp with another door leading to the bathroom. I Surveyed the room as Annika clucked her tongue. “Do you have any comments? Questions?

“Concerns?” I absently shook my head as I continued to stare at the bed. A bed. A real-life bed. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept in an actual bed. “Good. Try to get some rest, Rieka. I’ll see you in the morning.” Annika closed the bedroom door behind me, and the world went silent. I didn’t care.

I couldn’t stop staring at the bed. I’ve slept on rocks, logs, and hard dirt for the past ten years, barely keeping warm with a small fire. Now, I have the luxury of a bed and blankets. I slowly approached the bed, worried that I might have been dreaming about it and that it would disappear right before me. I sat on the bed and closed my eyes as I sank into it. It felt like sitting in a patch of freshly grown grass. I ran a hand over the soft comforter, the fabric tickling me between my fingers. At that moment, I knew I would do anything the King asked to keep the bed, protection or not. Before I allowed myself to relish in comfort any further, I decided that it was best to assess my injuries now that I was alone. The gash across my back was deep, but it had stopped bleeding.

It was still throbbing, but I had become accustomed to the pain. I lifted my shirt to see that I was becoming puffy on my left side, the skin turning yellow and green from bruising. I hissed and gritted my teeth in pain as I prodded my ribs. I knew they were broken from the twenty-foot fall from the cliff. I would have to be careful using my left side until they were healed. I let my shirt fall back down as I examined both sides of my hands. They weren’t bad. My knuckles were split and bruised, and my palms had minor cuts. I removed my feet from my shoes and gingerly removed my socks. It felt strange having them on.

I spent years running on my bare feet, the soles calloused and rough with worn and tear. They were blistered, and the skin was angry from running across jagged rocks to escape the Hunters. The cuts would be hard to keep clean as I would be on my feet all day. But I told the King that I would not let my injuries prevent me from working, and I was going to hold myself to that. I looked at the clock on my nightstand. It was 8 pm. The kitchen must have been preparing the Kings bedtime snack. I wondered who would be bringing it to him. The King told me that I would start tomorrow. Looking around the room once last time, I sighed heavily. I could do this. This beat living life on the run. I could work for the King, who would give me protection in return. I could do this.