Chapter 7

I stayed in the cell-like room for almost the whole day. Things have been going crazy all through today. For some seconds, I wished Jacob could come to save me. How stupid of me.

I hated myself for feeling this way.

I lay off on the cold floor helplessly as the harsh cold from the AC brazed my skin.

"Ravenna?" I heard a faint voice call out. I was too weak to respond and I just loaded on the floor, opening my eyes felt like mission impossible.

I was fighting between staying conscious and giving in to the darkness that was calling me.

"Ravenna?" The voice was becoming more audible.

I tried mumbling words out of my mouth but it wasn't working. I touched my lips and realized how dry it was. I looked around the dark room, searching if I would see the switch to turn off the AC.

"Ravenna?" This time the voice was very clear and I realized it was Jacob. The irritation that enveloped me was second to none.

The whole scenario was making me angry but what can I do? It's a shame that I can't help myself out of my predicament. 

"I'm right here." I tried to sound clear so he could hear me and he miraculously did.

Metals clinking together could be heard and I instantly realized he was looking for the key to unlock the door.

"She's in there?" I heard another familiar voice and I instantly knew it was Beta Keto. I waited to hear a response from Jacob but he blandly ignored Keto.

My wolf was rejoicing in a way that got me confused. The door was pushed and I watched as Jacob stood there while Beta Keto came to help me up. Somehow, I miraculously stood up without him making much effort to help me.

"You're doing this," I spoke to my wolf in my head. She somehow became energetic.

"Mates." She purred.

"Their intentions aren't clear enough so you need not to rejoice." I was strict when I said that.

I used my hand to arrange my already scattered hair. "I'll have it from here," Jacob said abruptly, making me stare at him dumbfounded.

What's up with the attitude?

"Are you sure?" Keto asked.

"If I wasn't sure of my work and my duty, I wouldn't have said It in the first place.

"Kelvin, take her to the medics so she can get treated," Keto advised Jacob and glanced back at me before walking out.

"Fix yourself. Our plan needs to be carried out tonight or tomorrow. You have to be smart and stop acting like this." He was harsh with his words.

I calculated his attitude yesterday and realized he would go gentle on me just so I can seduce the Alpha so I'm going to use it to my own advantage right now.

"But I'm weak...." I mumbled and made a face.

"Be careful when around Keto." He warned before gently taking me out.

Seriously?

Who should I be wary of if not him?

Alpha Orion's behavior is way better because he reveals his motive and if he hates you, you can easily tell.

As for Jacob or Kelvin, whatever his name is. He's sly and manipulative. Why would I trust such a man?

Keto keeps hiding his feelings just to protect himself and his relationship with his Alpha.

Jacob led me to a small room, dimly lit by a single candle. He gestured for me to sit on a nearby chair, and I did, trying to ignore the stinging pain from my wounds. He began to clean and dress them with a gentle touch, his hands surprisingly soft for a man of his size.

As he worked, my mind wandered back to the events that led me here. I remembered the guards dragging me to Alpha Orion, their rough hands leaving bruises on my skin. And I remembered Jacob's absence. He hadn't come to my aid, hadn't even tried to intervene.

"Kelvin," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why didn't you help me when the guards took me to Alpha Orion?"

Jacob's hands paused, his eyes flicking up to meet mine. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of guilt, but it was quickly replaced by his usual calm demeanor.

"I was...indisposed, Lyra," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I couldn't leave my post."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Indisposed?" I asked. Uncertainty was clear in my voice and he looked up at me immediately.

I wanted to tell him to stop that act already.

What stupid post was he talking about?

As far as I remember, Ruth sent him here to watch over me and make sure I do their bidding.

Jacob shrugged, his expression neutral. "Believe what you want, Lyra. I'm just trying to help you now."

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't get a straight answer from him. Jacob was sly, always covering his tracks. But I had to try.

"Kelvin, what's going on? Why am I here? What does Alpha Orion want from me?" I wanted to get some information and acting as coy as possible was the only way out.

Jacob's hands moved with precision, his eyes fixed on my wounds. "You don't just go about asking me such questions. What if someone heard you?" He remarked.

I huffed, frustration building inside me. Jacob knew more than he was letting on, I was sure of it. But I wouldn't get anything out of him, not yet.

That aside, I'm starting to get used to this his Kelvin of a name.

As he finished dressing my wounds, I stood up, testing my weight on my legs. They felt shaky, but I was determined to stand tall.

"Thank you, Kelvin.," I said, my voice stiff. "But don't think this means I trust you."

Jacob smiled, his eyes glinting in the candlelight. "I wouldn't dream of it, Princess Ravenna. I'll have to look out for you at any cost. And, our mate bond should be a secret." He whispered the last sentence and walked off. Just the way he walked off.

Someone stood at the door. 

Alira!